FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

New or old, every home has its imperfections. Some deficiencies can be more
serious than others. And since buying a house is one of the biggest
investments most people will ever make, it makes good sense to have it
inspected by a professional. That is when you should call on the services of a
qualified Home Inspector from DSM Property Services.

What is a Home Inspection?

In its simplest terms, a home inspection is a
technical analysis of the major systems of a house.
These include Roofing, Exterior, Structure,
Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Insulation, Plumbing
and the Interior.

How long does the Inspection take?

A typical inspection should take between two to
three hours to complete. This can vary given the
current condition of the home, size, and the
accessibility of the mechanical systems. Once the
inspection is completed, the written report will be
emailed to you the same day.

How much lead time is required to book an inspection?

Generally, 72 hours is preferred in order to ensure a
time that works best for everyone. However,
depending on availability, next day or same day
inspections can be accommodated

Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

It is important that you choose your inspection
company carefully. The Ontario Association of
Home Inspectors (OAHI) is a professional body
that overseas its members. To become a member,
inspectors are required to stay current by
attending continuing education workshops and
seminars regularly and adhere to the association's
standards of practice and code of conduct. For
more information on OAHI, please visit their site.
OAHI

Why have a Home Inspection performed?

The unknown can be a source of anxiety for any
homebuyer. A home inspection is for buyers who
want to know the true condition of the house. After
deciding that a home is suitable in terms of
location, size, interior layout and other lifestyle
factors, it is also important to learn about the
mechanical features.
A properly written report will identify the condition
of the home, any corrective actions that need to be
taken, and the time frame the action should take.

Can I follow the Inspector and ask questions as we go?

Absolutely. It is important for you to understand
how the house works from a technical standpoint.
Our Inspector at DSM Property Services will
encourage you to accompany him during the
inspection so that he can point key things out
about the home to you and answer any questions
or concerns you may have.
By attending the inspection, you are able to see
first hand the conditions that will be described in
the report. A good inspector will encourage
questions and also take time to explain things as
you walk through the home. The Inspector can also
provide you with maintenance tips on items
throughout the home. It is therefore very beneficial
for you to attend the inspection.

What is RHI?

RHI stands for Registered Home Inspector. This is
the highest level of accreditation in Ontario. These
inspectors have achieved the highest level of
education requirements as set by OAHI and
performed a predetermined number of paid
inspections. Inspectors in their first year would
require a minimum of 200 paid inspections along
with all the educational requirements before being
considered for the RHI designation. They must also
complete annual educational updates to maintain
their designation.